A city that grew out of the Canadian west, Calgary is now a large, modern city with a population of over 1 million. But it's roots harken back to western culture and it's nickname, Cowtown. Known as the home of the Calgary Stampede, the massive rodeo held every July, we visited Calgary after road tripping around Alberta and British Columbia. We were fortunate enough to visit during the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" and experience it in person - after hearing about it for years. So come along on a day around Calgary, Alberta and see what it has to offer!
Calgary Stampede
Known as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", the Calgary Stampede "celebrates western heritage, community spirit and cowboy culture" and for ten days every July the entire city adopts a Wild West theme. It's a city wide celebration with an opening parade that draws hundreds of thougands of spectators to Calgary's downtown streets. And there are hundreds of community barbeques and free pancake breakfasts to celebrate. Once inside the grounds, you can attend the World's Largest and Richest Outdoor Rodeo, watch the Chuckwagon Races (at the spot where they originated in 1923), ride rides, play games and eat fair food on The Midway and attend 10 nights of concerts that are included with admission. Another important area is the Treaty 7 Nations -which includes groups from the Blackfoot Confederacy, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut'tina nations - featuring tipis, traditional dancing, local artisans and the popular relay racing competitions.
We timed our visit perfectly as it was Stampede time when we were there. So we drove down to the Fairgrounds and found parking, paid the entrance fee ($25 per adult) and had a look around. Here are some of the things we saw:
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| Calgary Flames arena |
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| Calgary Flames arena |
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| Peeking inside the Calgary Flames arena |
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| Heading to the Treaty 7 Nations area |
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| The Treaty 7 Nations area |
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| The Treaty 7 Nations Area |
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| Gotta check out the animals |
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| Floral exhibits inside the main building |
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| Art exhibits |
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| Country singers clothes exhibit |
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| Artwork |
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| The main building |
Calgary Peace Bridge
The Calgary Peace Bridge is a walking and cycling bridge over the Bow River. Some 9000 people use the bridge daily to commute between the Bow River Pathway and downtown Calgary, or the north and south banks of the river if you will.
Designed by renowned Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, it is a unique, red helical structure that had several requirements - had to meet a 75 year life span, allow access for all including those with limited mobility, and withstand Calgary's one-in-100 year flood cycle.
We enjoyed walking over it and watching all those kayaking and rafting down the river. It was a sunny Canadian afternoon so there were plenty of people out and about. And there are great views of Calgary from the bridge!
Kensington Area
Once used as grazing land, the Kensington area of the city is now an area known for public art, shopping and outdoor patios. We landed at the Kensington Pub, housed in a 1911 house with a small rooftop patio, to enjoy a guinness and some UK comfort food. It's a fun place to walk around and take in some shopping or dining with easy access to downtown.
How about you? Have you been to the Stampede? or Calgary?
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